Effects of Low-Temperature Accumulation on Flowering of Prunus mume

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

In this study, authors studied effect of low-temperatures (6℃ and 10℃) on dormancy release and  lowering of four widely cultivated early flowering Prunus mume  cvs.  Zaoyudie', 'Zaohualve', 'Nanjing gongfen', and 'Gulihong'. The flowering traits (flowering rate, flower diameter, flowering quantity, flowering uniformity, and bud development) were better all the cvs. at lower temperature (6℃) than 10℃ treatment confirming that low temperature improves flowering quality.

The experiment was planned and executed nicely. Findings are presented good way, supported by enough evidences from own as well as relevant literature. However, some shortcomings were noticed that include lack of design and statistics applied for data analysis and improvement in tables are needed. In addition, the specific comments are stated below need to be addressed:

L 20: It is better to also mention if there was any variation was noticed among the varieties on flowering or the effect was similar. Please also take nto notice to improve results and discussion in this respect.

 L 106: Correct spelling of diameter in 2.3.2.

L 118: There is no head mentioning the design of experiment and statistics applied. Please mention in a separate head.

L 139-140: Write dates in full with year in standard format e.g., DD/MM/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY. Follow same for other tables.

L 140: Detail a bit about Exit Date (from where?) Table/ Figure should be self explanatory. Follow same for other tables.

L 192: Revise date format as suggested above.

L 308: Format references as per journal format.

Best

It requires minor correction.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The study primarily focuses on the effects of low-temperature treatments on dormancy release and flowering of woody ornamental plant. A theoretical foundation for bonsai growth methods is provided by the study, which also aims to pinpoint the best cultivation temperatures for early-blooming P. mume varieties.

The introduction provides some background information on Prunus mume, its cultural significance, and the market potential of regulating its flowering time. However, there are a few areas where the introduction could be improved:

1.      Several statements are made without proper citations or references to support the claims. For example, the mention of the delicate fragrance, elegant color, and rich cultural heritage of Prunus mume should be supported by relevant sources. Providing citations for these statements would enhance the credibility of the information presented.

2.      While the introduction briefly mentions the importance of temperature in the release of bud natural dormancy and chilling accumulation, it does not provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature. The recent literature is lacking in this manuscript.

Material Methods

3.      Rephase lines 81-87

4.      2.3 title?

5.      Details of statistical analysis is missing in the methodology.

6.      What was the basis of selecting only two temperatures. A temperature gradient would have shown more prominent effects.

Results:

Correct the legends of tables and figure.

Discussion is also lacking in recent literature. 

 

 

minor corrections 

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Thank You! Very important article nowadays when we have very unstable weather conditions, especially in dormancy periods.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

All the comments were well addressed.